The Dawn of Redemption: Promises Fulfilled and the King Revealed
- Be God's Glory
- 6 days ago
- 11 min read
Welcome to Day 296 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
These opening chapters reveal the supernatural beginnings of God’s redemptive plan through the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Each chapter highlights the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and showcases God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. We see Heaven breaking into human history as angels deliver divine messages, the Holy Spirit fills ordinary people, and God’s plan of salvation is set into motion. Through miraculous conception, prophetic declarations, and the public revelation of Jesus as the beloved Son of God, the Gospel introduces not only the story of Jesus’ birth but the unveiling of the Messiah who will bring salvation to all people. Luke 1–3 establishes Jesus’ divine identity, human lineage, and eternal mission as the promised Savior.
Luke 1
Luke 1 begins with the angel Gabriel appearing to Zechariah, announcing the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Lord. Gabriel later appears to Mary, proclaiming that she will conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit, identifying Him as the Son of the Most High and heir to David’s eternal throne. Mary’s response demonstrates humble obedience, and her song of praise declares God’s mercy, justice, and covenant faithfulness. John is born, and Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesies that John will prepare the way for the Messiah who will bring salvation and light to those in darkness. This chapter emphasizes that God is faithful to His promises and sovereign over life, destiny, and salvation history.
Luke 2
Luke 2 records the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy that the Messiah would come from the city of David. Angels announce His birth to shepherds, revealing that the Savior, Christ the Lord, has come for all people, not just the elite or powerful. Jesus is presented in the temple, where Simeon and Anna, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognize Him as God’s promised Redeemer, testifying that He is a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Israel. The narrative shifts to Jesus at age twelve in the temple, where He is found discussing Scripture with religious teachers, already demonstrating divine wisdom and awareness of His mission. This chapter reveals Jesus’ divine nature, His humble entrance into the world, and His identity as God’s promised Messiah.
Luke 3
Luke 3 introduces the public ministry of John the Baptist, who calls the people to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. John fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy as the voice in the wilderness, proclaiming the need for a transformed heart, not just religious ritual. Jesus is baptized by John, and as He prays, Heaven opens, the Holy Spirit descends on Him like a dove, and the Father declares, “You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased,” affirming His divine identity and mission. The genealogy that follows traces Jesus’ lineage back to Adam, showing Him as the Son of Man who came to redeem all humanity. This chapter establishes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, filled with the Spirit, and publicly confirmed by the Father to begin His redemptive work.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Luke comes from the Latin Lucas or Lucanus, which is believed to be derived from the Greek word Loukas, meaning “light-giving” or “bringer of light.” This meaning is fitting, as the Gospel of Luke shines light on Jesus as the Savior for all humanity, illuminating God’s love, mercy, and salvation.
Purpose of the Book:
Luke explicitly states his purpose in Luke 1:3–4:“…it seemed good to me also… to write an orderly account… that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
Primary Purposes:
To present an accurate historical account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
To show Jesus as the Savior of all people—not only Jews but also Gentiles, women, the poor, and the marginalized.
To emphasize the humanity and compassion of Jesus, highlighting His role as the “Son of Man.”
To provide assurance to believers that the Christian faith is grounded in truth and eyewitness testimony.
To prepare readers for the mission of the Church, which is continued in the Book of Acts.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The Gospel of Luke is universally attributed to Luke the physician, a Gentile companion of the Apostle Paul. Evidence from Scripture and early church history strongly supports this authorship:
Biblical Evidence:
Colossians 4:14 – Paul refers to “Luke, the beloved physician,” distinguishing him from Jewish companions, indicating he was likely a Gentile.
2 Timothy 4:11 – “Only Luke is with me,” showing a close companionship.
Philemon 24 – Luke is listed among Paul’s fellow laborers.
Acts 1:1 directly references the Gospel of Luke as its first volume: “In my former book, Theophilus…”—showing that the same author wrote both Luke and Acts.
Historical and External Sources:
Early Church Fathers
Irenaeus (AD 180) stated: “Luke, the companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by him.”
Eusebius of Caesarea (4th century) confirmed Luke as the author in his Ecclesiastical History.
The Muratorian Fragment (circa AD 170) identifies Luke as the physician who wrote the Gospel.
Luke was not an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry but gathered his information carefully from eyewitness accounts (Luke 1:1–4). His Gospel is the most historically and chronologically detailed, reflecting the work of a careful researcher and historian.
Key People:
Jesus Christ – The central figure; presented as the Son of Man and Savior of the world.
Mary – The mother of Jesus; her faith and prophetic declarations are highlighted.
Zechariah and Elizabeth – Parents of John the Baptist, showing God’s faithfulness to His covenant.
John the Baptist – The forerunner of the Messiah.
The Apostles – Especially Peter, James, John, and the Twelve.
Simeon and Anna – Prophets who confirm Jesus' identity shortly after His birth.
Herod Antipas – Ruler involved in Jesus’ trial.
Pontius Pilate – Roman governor who presides over Jesus’ crucifixion.
The women disciples – Especially Mary Magdalene and other women who play a prominent role in supporting Jesus’ ministry and witnessing His resurrection.
Theophilus – The individual to whom Luke’s Gospel is addressed; believed to be a high-ranking official or patron.
Conclusion
The Gospel of Luke concludes with Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, confirming His identity as the risen Messiah and Son of God. It emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the unstoppable nature of God’s salvation plan. Luke ends with a call to witness: Jesus commissions His disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness in His name to all nations, starting from Jerusalem (Luke 24:46–49).
The Book of Luke shines as a Gospel of hope, compassion, and divine purpose, inviting believers to see Jesus as the Savior who came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). It bridges the Old Testament promises to their fulfillment in Christ and prepares the stage for the global mission of the Church continued in Acts. It is a testimony that the light has come into the world—not for one nation only, but for all humanity.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Luke 1
In Luke 1, God is revealed as faithful, sovereign, and deeply compassionate. He remembers His covenant promises to Israel and begins to fulfill them supernaturally through the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. God demonstrates that nothing is impossible for Him, showing His power over nature, time, and human limitation. His character is one of grace and favor, choosing humble servants like Mary and Elizabeth to carry out His divine plan.
In this chapter, God is reflected as El Elyon (God Most High) through Gabriel’s declaration that Jesus will be called the Son of the Most High. We also see El Roi (the God who sees) as He notices and blesses Elizabeth’s barrenness and Mary’s humble state. The lesson God is teaching is that He exalts the lowly, fulfills His promises in His perfect timing, and invites believers to respond with faith, even when His plans exceed human understanding.
Luke 2
In Luke 2, God’s character is revealed through His humility, peace, and desire to dwell among His people. Rather than entering the world in royal splendor, Jesus is born in a manger, showing that God identifies with the poor and accessible to all. He is a God of perfect timing and order, orchestrating global events to fulfill prophecy. Through the angelic announcement of peace, God reveals Himself as the One who brings salvation and reconciliation to the world.
Jesus is referred to as Christ the Lord, pointing to Adonai (Lord and Master) and Messiah (Anointed One). The angel also refers to Him as Savior, connected to Jehovah Yasha (the Lord our Savior). The lesson in this chapter is that God’s salvation is available to all people—regardless of status—and He brings true peace not through political power but through His presence. He calls us to recognize His glory in humble places and respond with worship and obedience.
Luke 3
In Luke 3, God’s character is portrayed as holy, just, and redemptive. Through the preaching of John the Baptist, God calls people to repentance, revealing His desire for hearts that are transformed, not just outward religious behavior. He is a God who prepares the way for His people to encounter the Messiah and experience renewal. God also reveals His pleasure in His Son and His plan to bring salvation to all humanity.
At Jesus’ baptism, God is revealed as El Shaddai (God Almighty) through the descent of the Holy Spirit and the voice from Heaven affirming Jesus as His beloved Son. The lesson in this chapter is that God calls His people to repentance as preparation for encountering Christ. He teaches us that true transformation begins in the heart, and He affirms Jesus as the only way to salvation, inviting us to listen to and follow Him.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does God’s fulfillment of prophecy in Luke 1 show His faithfulness to keep His promises across generations?
In what ways does God demonstrate mercy and compassion toward the lowly and overlooked in these chapters?
How do the miraculous births of John and Jesus reveal God’s sovereignty over nature and human limitations?
What does God’s declaration of Jesus as His beloved Son at His baptism reveal about His nature and divine authority?
How is God’s holiness and righteousness displayed through John’s call to repentance in Luke 3?
What do these chapters reveal about God’s desire for relationship with His people rather than religious ritual?
How does God’s choice to bring the Savior into humble circumstances reflect His heart toward humanity?
Questions About Themes:
How is the theme of divine promise and fulfillment demonstrated through the prophecies surrounding the births of John and Jesus?
What is the significance of the theme of preparation in John the Baptist’s ministry and its role in God’s redemptive plan?
How is the theme of reversal (the lowly being exalted and the mighty being brought low) highlighted in Mary’s song?
How does the theme of salvation for all people emerge in the angel’s message to the shepherds?
What role does the Holy Spirit play throughout these chapters, and what does that reveal about God’s active presence?
How is the identity and mission of Jesus progressively revealed in Luke 1–3?
What is the significance of Jesus’ genealogy in Luke 3 and how does it reinforce the theme of Jesus as both Son of God and Son of Man?
Reflective Application Questions:
How can Mary’s response of surrender in Luke 1 inspire your own response to God’s calling in your life?
In what ways does the humility of Jesus’ birth challenge your view of what greatness looks like in God’s Kingdom?
How does John’s message of repentance in Luke 3 speak to areas in your life that may need realignment with God’s will?
What promises from God are you waiting on, and how do these chapters encourage you to trust His timing?
How can you actively prepare the way for the Lord in your community, just as John prepared the way for Jesus?
What does the Father’s affirmation of Jesus at His baptism teach you about finding your identity in God rather than in worldly accomplishments?
How will you respond today to the truth that Jesus came not just to bring salvation to the world—but to you personally?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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